Trumpet, February 2013

State of Kansas

Office of the State Fire Marshal

Trumpet From the Desk of the

State Fire Marshal, Doug Jorgensen February is an important month for the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

It’s budget time, the time when all state agencies receive their budget recommendations. The OSFM Staff worked diligently to craft and submit a solid budget proposal and we are pleased that Governor Brownback’s recommendations for our agency recognized our hard work. In the next few months we will work with our budget committee and the legislature to establish a budget for next year that will allow us to achieve our diverse public safety mission.

February is also American Heart Month, a good time to remind the Kansas fire service that the leading cause of line-of-duty death for firefighters is a sudden cardiac event. In fact, 45%of the firefighter deaths each year are caused by heart attacks. In addition between 800 and 1,000 firefighters suffer nonfatal heart attacks while on duty each year. Cerebral vascular incidents (strokes) add to the cardiovascular fatalities each year. If you are a firefighter, please do your part to protect your health with a physical screening so you know what your body can tolerate. If you are a fire chief, take your firefighters health, regardless of volunteer or career, to heart and be sure they are able to safely respond to department incidents.

This first week, February 3-9, 2013 is Burn Awareness Week, a time the fire service traditionally partners with the American Burn Association to draw awareness to burn injuries. This year the topic is Scald Injury Prevention. This is one more opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in their communities. Available on the American Burn Association website are a number of resources including a campaign with reproducible materials, power point presentations and educator’s guide.

This is a busy time of year with the legislature in session but keep in mind we are always willing and able to assist you with your fire and life safety needs.

If my office can be of assistance, feel free to contact us. And, be sure to follow us on Facebook.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Inside this Edition Current Events 2-5 BBQ Invitation—South central KS February is Heart Month Nights Ops New Fire Marshal - Manhattan FF Memorial Save Dates - HazMat Symposium Assistant Chief Retires Bereavement Uniform Program Fire Prevention News Fire Alarm Systems Single Motion Latching Fire Protection Promotion Oxygen Storage NFIRS News Wildland Stats for 2012 Fire Investigation News Wildland Investigation Class Grass Fires Fireworks Permits New Investigator Investigator Territory Maps

10

HazMat News ESF Coordinator’s Meeting New Storage Facilities Farewell Nan Hipsher

11

Fire Safety News

12

Partnership News Safe Kids Kansas FEAK/FMAK Wichita FD Safety House Burn Awareness Month Firefighter Memorial Visit us on Facebook

Be a Heart Smart - Fire Safe Valentine February is American Heart Month

6-9

13-14

Attention South Central Fire Chiefs

Please join us for an

Informational (Y-FIRE, Fire and Burn Safety) & Appreciation Luncheon Thursday

March 7, 2013 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Sedgwick County Fire District #1 Administrative Office 7750 N. Wild West Drive Park City, Kansas

~ Barbeque Lunch Provided ~ Please R.S.V.P. via email to: Janet Cusick Jost: Jcusick-jost@att.net Patti Peterson: Pzp130@ox.net February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Page 2

Current Events February is American Heart Month Sudden cardiac events are the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for firefighters, and hundreds suffer non-fatal cardiac events each year.

Causes Exposure to extreme levels of physical exertion.

Exposure to chemical hazards like carbon monoxide, fine particulate matter and other cardiac toxins.

Exposure to thermal hazards and emotional stress amplify the risk.

Recommended Prevention Mandatory pre-planned and annual medical examinations for all firefighters including clearance to wear SCBAs. Mandatory wellness and fitness programs at all fire departments.

There are over one million firefighters in the U.S.

Mandatory annual physical performance evaluations for all firefighters.

70% volunteer—30% paid career Sources: International Association of Fire Chiefs and Skidmore College Health and Exercise Sciences Report “Sudden Cardiac Event in the Fire Service”

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack Some heart attacks are sudden and intense but most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Often affected people aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Discomfort in other areas. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one of both arms, the back, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath. With or without chest discomfort.

Minimize the Risks To minimize the risk of cardiac emergencies,.

Firefighters should prepare themselves for strenuous work by doing the following: Know their own cardio vascular risk factors and work with health care providers to aggressively lessen those risk factors; Obtain medical clearance to engage in structural firefighting; Learn the sign and symptoms of a heart attack;

Nausea or lightheadedness. Anxiety, nervousness, or cold sweaty skin.

Prepare physically for the demanding tasks of firefighting by participating in a wellstructured fitness program;

Paleness or pallor, feeling of impending doom, or “something is wrong”.

Use incident rehabilitation to hasten physiological recovery from firefighting.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Page 3

Auto Extrication - Night Ops

by Mark Shoemaker, Assistant Chief, Reading Benefit District #1 On December 29th,2012 the Reading Benefit Fire District simulated two different motor vehicle accident scenarios. At 6p.m. the volunteers were briefed on the time and location of the simulated MVA and a brief description of the accident and the number of patients. The strategic plan was discussed as well as the tactics to be used to make an effective rescue.

Ten volunteers participated in the actual hands on training. With an additional two filming video. The videos to be used for review and for lessons learned. The first evolution was a simulated one car head on impact with an immovable object. The Chief and Assistant Chief were acting IC and safety Officer. This training was not a timed event. The scene was treated as an actual MVA but as opportunity allowed all action would stop for discussion and explanation. Scene safety was paramount at all times. Issues dealt with were potential traffic hazards, lighting, potential fire and/or hazmat along with the cold weather conditions. The car was stabilized and the electrical system was isolated. The patient had an EMT with him at all times. The door was removed and the dash rolled ending with patient removal. Hard and soft protection was used throughout the evolution.

The second evolution was more involved and certainly made the volunteers think out of the box. The second evolution began after a short coffee break and a chance to warm up.

The briefing explained that the car had been involved in a rollover accident.

The car had rolled once and stopped in an open field. Two patients seat belted in, one critical. A car seat was belted in on the driver side rear seat with no occupant. On arrival crews observed smoke showing under the car hood. This evolution resulted in roof removal as well as a total passenger side removal. A piercing nozzle was used to extinguish the engine compartment fire. Two thermal imagers were used to locate the infant, which had been ejected during the roll over. Hand warmers were used to simulate a child laying in the field. A landing zone was set up to transport the critical patient.

The training brought many things to light because of the dark. It was obvious to all that training is a must as well as the commitment to show up when the pagers go off. After the two evolutions ended we took the opportunity to use air bags to lift and crib the remaining automobile carcass, as well as the hydraulic spreaders. Hydraulic tools were used along with reciprocating saws and various hand tools. Air tools were available but were not used.

Many things were learned, some good some not so good. The last I knew that is why we train. I pray that we always train as if someone loved needs our help and that we are able to provide it. May Gods face shine on those that believe in service before self in 2013.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Manhattan Fire Department Announces New Fire Marshal Rick Stillwagon was named the new Fire Marshal for the Manhattan Fire Department.

It was with great pleasure, Ryan Almes, Deputy of Technical Services at the Manhattan Fire Department made the announcement saying, “Rick has done a good job in his current role and will continue to serve our Department well in his new capacity.� Rick had been serving the Department as a Fire Prevention Inspector.

State Fire Marshal Houses Firefighter Memorial Replica In 2001 legislation was signed that authorized the construction of a memorial to be built on the Capitol grounds in Topeka to honor Kansas firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

A scaled replica is housed at the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal where it is on view. The OSFM also transports the replica to fire service events across the state. Please send your tax deductible donation to: Firefighters Memorial Fund Attn: Eldred Wenger, DFM 900 SW Jackson Street, Room 600 Topeka, KS 66612 For questions or information contact: Fire Chief Robert McLemore Colby Fire Department 585 North Franklin, Colby, KS 66701 (785) 460-4454 OR (785) 462-4454 E-mail fire@cityofcolby.com

Save the dates . . .

Annual HazMat Conference April 4 - 6, 2013 Wichita, Kansas Page 4

Assistant Fire Chief Retires After 22 Years

by Julie Fiedler, 1st Infantry Division Post Laughter and chatter rang through Fire Station One, as Family, friends and colleagues gathered to celebrate the storied and colorful 22-year career of Kevin Kirkland, assistant fire chief of operations, Fort Riley Fire and Emergency Services, Directorate of Emergency Services, at a special luncheon and ceremony Dec. 27.

Kirkland’s career highlights included managing the Operations Branch on the Largest Power Projection Platform in the Midwest, organizing Fort Riley’s involvement in the Kansas Task Force II Urban Search and Rescue Emergency Response Team, managing the largest prescribed burn plan in the state, administering the Emergency Medical Technicians certification program and protecting $6.5B worth of Army investments.

“It’s been a very, very good career,” Kirkland said. But according to Kirkland, “the highlights have been the people that I work with. With our job here, we’re with these folks nearly as much as we’re with our Families. Having had the opportunity to get to know so many good people and work with so many good people – because of that, it’s been a fabulous career.”

In addition to his career accomplishments, Kirkland also is a paramedic, pilot, pilot instructor and general electrician. Photos spanning his life from graduation to retirement included his wedding, the birth of his sons, growing children against a backdrop of sports and vacations, work drills and training, ceremonies and more.

“Good father. Good firefighter. Good paramedic,” is how they summed up Kirkland. “It’s a bittersweet thing,” said Kirkland’s wife, Janet. “It’s going to be nice to have him home, but this is like a second Family.” “It’s basically one big family atmosphere,” his son Jacob agreed.

During the ceremony, Kirkland’s parents, Jack and Sammy, were recognized, along with Janet and Kirkland’s two sons, Nathan and Jacob.

In turn, Kirkland was honored with a ceremonial axe, an honorary speaking trumpet, his framed badge – Number Four – which is being retired along with him, an achievement medal for civilian service and a superior civilian service award for his outstanding and effective leadership.

Not one to enjoy being in the spotlight, Kirkland was seen sporting sunglasses during part of the event in order to mask his emotion. “If it was up to him, none of this would be going on,” Jacob, a firefighter in Junction City, said. “He’s never been someone that’s about the show. (But) as much as he says he doesn’t want it, I know it’s something he’s going to appreciate.”

Kirkland plans to continue working for an ambulance service in his hometown of Marysville, Kansas.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Bereavement Uniform Program

by Light Uniform Company The Lighthouse Uniform Company launched a new program called the Bereavement Uniform Program. An offshoot of the Fallen FireFighter Dress Uniform Program, it in response to families finding themselves in need of assistance at the time a loved one dies. The goal of the program is to provide a Dress Uniform, at no cost to any firefighter’s family wanting to bury a loved one in a Class A uniform.

There are more and more retired firefighters, especially volunteers, who dedicated their lives to the fire service but never owned a dress uniform that are beginning to pass away.

Their families want to give them a “firefighter’s funeral” and they don’t qualify for the Fallen Firefighters Uniform.

These individuals deserve a “firefighter’s funeral” and as it turns out, the solution and success of the Program actually hangs in the closets of many fire departments around the country. So, Lighthouse Uniform Company in conjunction with many Associations across the country are asking you to check your department’s “uniform closet” for any surplus or unusable dress uniforms.

If you have any and you send them to the Lighthouse, we will clean, refurbish, re-rank as necessary and make them available to those families needing a Bereavement Uniform, at no cost to them. In addition, departments and/or individuals who give will be listed on the Programs ‘Wall of Fame’ at http://bereavement.lighthouseuniform.com/wall-of-fame.

If any in your organization have need of a Bereavement Uniform, please don’t hesitate to contact us. While value of the Bereavement Uniform Program is hard to quantify, it is not hard to appreciate. It is an opportunity to do something meaningful and important. It is an opportunity to ‘take care of those who took care of us’. With your help, it is doable. For more information call Steve Cohen, Lighthouse Uniform Company at 1-800-426-5225 or www.lighthouseuniform.com

Save the Dates !!

February 5 - 7, 2013

International Association of Arson Investigators Kansas Chapter Annual Seminar and Meeting Topeka, Kansas Page 5

Fire Prevention Division News Fire Alarm Systems We are always getting questions about what facility staff should or should not be expected to perform when inspecting fire alarm or sprinkler systems. Over the next few months, we will take each of these systems and identify what inspection schedule is required, which parts require the use of “qualified personnel” and what our inspectors will need for documentation when we arrive at your facility. This month, we will cover “Fire Alarm Systems.”

What code does OSFM use?

For non-healthcare facilities, OSFM will be referencing the 2007 edition of NFPA 72, The National Fire Alarm Code, for all healthcare facilities who receive a federal (CMS) inspection; we will reference the 1999 edition of NFPA 72.

What is required?

Weekly Visual inspection of Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) for trouble signals – all staff should be trained to recognize alarm trouble signals are part of continual monitoring.

Quarterly Visual inspection of all sprinkler devices connected to the Fire Alarm system; water-flow and tamper valve switches.

Semi Annual Test of sprinkler waterflow switches (if not already completed by testing of sprinkler system).

Test of sprinkler valve tamper switches (if not already completed by testing of sprinkler system).

Visual inspection of lead-acidy batteries.

Test of batteries (secondary power supply) Annual Test and visual inspection of Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP). Test FACP battery charger.

Battery discharge test.

Test and visual inspection of all horns, strobes, chimes, bells, etc.

Test and visual inspection of all smoke, heat and duct detectors Test and visual inspection of all electromechanical releasing devices Test and visual inspection of all voice evacuating equipment February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Other Replace FACP panel batteries every 5 years per manufacturer recommendations Smoke detectors be replaced or scheduled for replacement after 10 years of service per OSFM recommendation.

Sensitivity testing of smoke detectors (per manufacturer recommendations) – This is to be completed by a trained service technician.

The annual testing documentation must meet the minimum requirements as outlined in NFPA 72. This is a 4-page form which is provided in the code. Use of any documentation which does not meet the minimum requirements as outlined in NFPA 72, shall not be accepted.

8.5.5 Record Keeping and Reporting.

8.5.5.1 A permanent record of the time, date and location of all signals and restorations received and the actions taken shall be maintained for at least 1 year and shall be provided to the authority having jurisdiction.

10.3 Inspection.

10.3.1* Visual inspections shall be performed in accordance with schedules in Table 10.3.1 or more often if required by the authority having jurisdiction. Exception: Devices or equipment that is inaccessible for safety considerations (e.g. continuous process operations, energized electrical equipment, radiation, and excessive height) shall be inspected during scheduled shutdowns if approved by the AHJ. Extended intervals shall not exceed 18-months.

10.3.2 The visual inspection shall be made to ensure that there are not changes that affect equipment performance.

The OSFM has a Fire Fact which also outlines these requirements. This document is available on the OSFM website at http://www.ksfm.ks.gov/fire-facts/, look for Fire Fact #60 – Fire Alarm. The annual testing should only be completed by qualified individuals as defined by NFPA 72 in Chapter 10.2.2.5* If you have questions about what your staff is able to perform as part of the inspections for your system, please do not hesitate to contact the Prevention Division at (785) 2963401.

Page 6

Single Motion Positive Latching Over the last few weeks, we have received several phone calls and emails about door locks and what the code requirements are. In the January edition of the Trumpet, we submitted an article covering the code requirements for the locking hardware in school doors. In that article, we outlined the important features for doors in or along the path of egress. These doors must have positive latching locks and be opened/ unlocked using a “single motion.” In this article, we are going to cover what each of those requirements mean.

Positive Latching Positive latching means when the door closes, the latching mechanism of the door will catch into the frame assembly preventing the door from opening unless the latching mechanism is released via the door hardware.

To test a door for positive latching, allow the door to close and then push against it. If the door swings open, the door did not positively latch; if the door stays closed until the panic hardware or the handle is manipulated, the door has positively latched. Any obstacles, such as a floor mat, which prevents the door from latching, will be cited. When our inspectors visit your facility, they will use this test to determine if your doors are positively latching.

One of the questions we received concerned the use of an elastic band which would strap around the doors latching hardware, an example is shown in photo #1.

The device in question was wrapped around the door handle on one side and would be secured on the opposite door handle on the opposite side of the door. The facility said the staff would secure the door latch during the day using this elastic band and would remove the band at the end of the day to “lock” the door. This obstruction is not permitted as it would prevent the hardware from positively latching.

OSFM Promotes Inspector Scott Murray Seven-year veteran fire prevention inspector Scott Murray accepted a promotion recently to a Fire Protection Specialist for the OSFM. Scott will cover 50 counties in the western and part of south central Kansas handling plans reviews, construction inspections and more.

Scott has been in the fire service for 27 years and in well acquainted with his territory.

Congratulations Scott!!

Single Motion Single motion means the door latching hardware will release – and open – for egress by the use of one motion and does not require any special action or knowledge to be operated. For example, a door with a panic bar which is locked from the outside will release the locking mechanism when the panic bar is engaged.

The door unlocks and will open in a single motion.

The panic bar is allowed because an occupant has to only press the bar and push the door to open it. There are other latching mechanisms which can be used to meet the single motion requirement. In photo #2, the door in question has two locking mechanisms; the door handle also has a keyed lock which is integrated into the door.

When the keyed lock is engaged, the door is securely locked from the corridor; but the door hardware will release upon action from the door handle allowing egress using a single motion. There is a second dead-bolt which has been installed in the door, the deadbolt is not integrated into the door’s hardware and will require an additional motion to open: Motion #1, unlock the deadbolt using a key; Motion #2 unlock/open the door using the handle. This door was code compliant until the additional deadbolt was installed…

The OSFM encourages all facilities to be safe for their staff, residents, students or visitors. We will also work to find the most efficient means possible for you to meet your security concerns while still ensuring you remain compliant with the intent of the prevention code. If you have questions about what hardware can be used or any prevention questions, please contact our office at (785) 296-3401.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Trumpet Deadline For information on receiving the State Fire Marshal Trumpet or to submit your meeting notices, training announcements, articles, photos or other information, please contact Elena. Photos should be submitted as a .jpg or .tif attachment to an email.

Elena Nuss elena.nuss@ksfm.ks.gov 785-296-3403

Page 7

Oxygen Cylinder Storage During our surveys, OSFM Inspectors will occasionally be asked how much oxygen a facility is permitted to store without the storage area meeting the requirements for a hazardous room such as in a resident’s room. OSFM recognizes that not all oxygen cylinders shall be in use 100 percent of the time and therefore will be considered to be in “storage” or not in use. OSFM also recognizes there is a need for a practical application for the storage of these cylinders when they are not in use in healthcare occupancies.

Here are the requirements for the storage of oxygen cylinders found in Chapter 9 of the 1999 edition of NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Occupancies: 9.4.2 Storage for nonflammable gases greater than 300 feet3 but less than 3000 feet3 compressed gas shall comply with the requirements of 9.4.2.1 through 9.4.2.3 9.4.2.1 Storage locations shall be outdoors in an enclosure or within an enclosed interior space of noncombustible or limited-combustible construction, with doors that can be secured against unauthorized entry.

9.4.2.2 Oxidizing gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, shall not be stored with any flammable gas, liquid, or vapor.

9.4.2.3 Oxidizing gases such as oxygen and nitrous oxide shall be separated from combustibles or materials by one of the following: A minimum distance of 20 feet A minimum distance of 5 feet in the entire storage location is protected by an automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Instillation of Sprinkler Systems An enclosed cabinet of noncombustible construction having a minimum fire protection of ½ hour.

OSFM will allow up to eight (8) ‘D’ sized oxygen cylinders to be stored outside of a hazardous room. A ‘D’ sized oxygen cylinder can store up to 14.797 feet3 of oxygen per cylinder. That equals just over 118 feet3 total. Here are some examples of the different sized cylinders and how many can be stored outside of a hazardous room: Capacity Number of Tanks safely stored outside hazardous room (Feet3 )

Tank

Capacity

Size

(Liters)

M-6

164

5.7916

20

M-9 ‘C’

249

8.7934

13

‘D’

419

14.797

8

‘E’

674

23.8023

4

Please remember, all oxygen cylinders should be secured when they are in storage. There are various storage options available commercially, such as storage racks or cabinets, which are approved. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us by calling (785) 296-3401.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

NFIRS NEWS OSFM is providing information which was collected regarding Wildland (grass) fires for Federal Year 2012, that is October 1st, 2011 - September 30, 2012. There were nearly 11,000 reported incidents burning over 102,000 acres of land in Kansas. NFIRS rules requires the fire module to be completed for all fires. However, there are twelve incident types where the Wildland module can be completed to satisfy this rule requirement.

If you respond to a grass fire, OSFM is requesting the Wildland module be completed as the data is more appropriate for those types of incidents.

We are providing the Heat Source, the number of incidents, and the total acres burned, in the tables on the next page. You will see some categories are in bold while others are not, this is the data from the Fire module; the heat sources which are not in bold come from the Wildland module. The Wildland module should be used for the following incident types: 140 – Natural Vegetation Fire, Other.

141 – Forest, Woods, or Wildland Fire.

142 – Brush, or Brush-and-Grass Mixture Fire.

143 – Grass Fire 160 – Special Outside Fire, Other 170 – Cultivated Vegetation, Crop Fire, Other 171 – Cultivated Grain or Crop Fire.

172 – Cultivated Orchard or Vineyard Fire 173 – Cultivated Tress or Nursery Stock Fire 561 – Unauthorized Burning 631 – Authorized Controlled Burning 632 – Prescribed Fires* Note: A prescribed fire that escapes management is a hostile fire (Incident Type #141). A hostile fire cannot become a prescribed fire, but the management strategy (actions taken) may change. *According to the NFIRS Complete Reference Guide, a Prescribed Fire is: Any fire ignited by management actions to meet specific objectives. A written, approved prescribed fire plan must exist prior to ignition.

If you have questions about the data provided, or any other NFIRS questions, please contact Chris Dibbern, NFIRS Program Manager, at (785) 296-0659 or by email at chris.dibbern@ksfm.ks.gov.

Page 8

2012 Wildland Statistics Category

Number Incidents

Total Acres Burned

Miscellaneous Chemical Reaction

Category

Number Incidents

Total Acres Burned

Operating Equipment 5

3.11

Arcing

60

694.85

13

267.55

Flame/torch used for lighting

52

1,168.53

145

382.67

Heat from powered equipment, other

48

1,261.12

30

265.11

Hot or smoldering object, other

66

946.79

Model and amateur rockets

1

1.00

Heat, spark from friction

28

764.20

Sunlight

1

5.00

Molten, hot material

28

512.78

702

9.441.67

20

12.00

3

1.00

Explosives, fireworks, other Fireworks Heat from direct flame, convection currents

Undetermined Chemical reaction Chemical, natural heat source, other Explosives, fireworks, other

Other static discharge Radiated, conducted heat from operating

1

1.00

43

1,259.07

136

2,221.07

118

634.00

1

1.00

equipment Spark, ember or flame from operating equipment

46

101.00

306

457.00

Arching

46

874.00

Backfire from internal combustion engine

Munitions

4

7.00

Flame/torch used for lighting

96

2,,410.00

Sunlight

2

2.00

Heat from powered equipment, other

41

539.00

1,846

17,108.00

Heat, spark from ignition

75

805.00

Molten, hot material

47

196.00

Other static discharge

4

4.00

50

869.00

203

10,114.00

1,097

24,401

Fireworks Heat from direct flame, convection current.

Undetermined (Blank)

4,137

2,941.00

7,307

31,869

Radiated, conducted heat operating equipment

Lightning Lightning Lightning

81

7,157.92

Spark, ember or flame from operating equipment

117

16,484.00

198

23,642

Cigarette

53

659.24

Debris

Cigarette lighter

25

153.01

Conducted heat from another fire

45

454.60

Flying brand, ember, spark

5

24.15

131

Cigarette lighter Heat from other open flame or smoking materials

Smoking

Heat from other open flame or smoking materials Heat from undetermined smoking materials Cigarette

Heat from undetermined smoking materials Pipe or cigar

11

64.29

116

1,247.86

Heat source, other

97

3,418.17

997.00

Heat spread from another fire, other

79

1,080.52

91

437.00

Hot ember or ash

245

3,201.25

68

1,251.00

18

39.00

1

0.00

437

4,015

Radiated heat from another fire

3

22.50

18

177.00

Flying brand, ember, spark

153

1,869.00

Heat source, other

148

1,694.00

84

1,227.00

Hot ember or ash

389

2,679.00

Conducted heat from another fire

Heat spread from another fire, other

Arson Multiple heat sources including multiple ignitions

4

31.00

Incendiary device

1

0.01

Hot or smoldering object, other

144

571.00

37

201.07

Radiated heat from another fire

12

40.00

1

40.00

1,499

17,292

115

1,123.00

12

98.00

10,692

102,583

154

1,364

Match Incendiary device Match Multiple heat sources including multiple ignitions

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

GRAND TOTALs

Page 9

Fire Investigation Division News Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination

Fireworks Season

(WFOCD/FI-210) Wildland fires result in tremendous devastation of public resources and private property. The increasing frequency of these types of fires has brought on a need for additional, specially trained fire investigators. The WFOCD is based on the recently developed certification standards and training programs for wildland fire investigators put in place by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

This 4.5 hour class culminates in a six hour practical exercise where students work as a team to investigate and document a wildland fire case.

Teams will determine the fire origin, collect evidence, conduct interviews, and document the case. Enrollment is open to full-time, Federal, State, or Local law enforcement officers or fire management personnel are responsible for wildland fire investigation.

The curriculum includes: Professional Ethics for Fire Investigators; Fire Behavior and Burn Pattern Interpretation; Fire Scene Evidence, Identification, Preservation and Collection; Fire Investigation Methodology; Witness Interviewing; Ignition Factors and Sources; Arson Recognition; and Courtroom Preparation and Testimony.

Grass fires Over the last few months we had heard about and/or responded to several grass fires in several counties. Some of them have been intentionally set. If you have had grass fires in your area and suspect they maybe intentionally set please let us know. With the drought situation in Kansas and the lack of potential hay production this year it can have adverse affect on the farming industry as a whole. We would like to assist in trying to reduce the number of the intentionally set grass fires.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is starting to send out the renewal notices for the display fireworks permits.

The testing dates and locations are being scheduled. For those local agencies that we have utilized their facilities for the group testing, you should be receiving a phone call to help schedule a date for this year. We usually conduct the group testing from March 15th and June 1st. This is the largest permitting year and we are expecting an increase over the last couple of year in the total number of applicants.

New Fire Investigator Michael Tippie Joins the OSFM Michael Tippie has joined the OSFM Fire Investigation Division where he will cover Coffey, Elk, Greenwood, Lyon, Wilson, and Woodson counties in the southeast part of the state.

Tippie was born in Great Bend Kansas and raised in Pittsburg. For five years he was employed at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator.

He graduated from Pittsburg State University with a BS in 2005.

He has three children ages 16 to 24 and lives in rural Cherokee County.

KANSAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S INVESTIGATIVE TERRITORY MAP (Investigator territories are subject to change whenever necessary)

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Page 10

Haz mat news Emergency Support Function (ESF) Coordinator’s Meeting

Nan Hipsher HazMat Support Staffer Retires

The Emergency Support Function (ESF) group met at the State Emergency Operation’s Center in Topeka on January 25th.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reported they are still working on utility preparedness regulations.

The Kansas Department of Emergency Preparedness (KDEM) in partnership with the Kansas Homeland Security regions, provided an update on the Comprehensive Resource Management and Credentialing System launched in 2011. This tool will allow county emergency managers and emergency response agencies the ability to credential personnel, provide information on availability of assets and personnel during an emergency, the ability to track those assets on scene, and complete incident visibility via the internet.

On February 14, the Electronic Mapping (EMAP) final assessment report and accreditation will take place. Discussed at the ESF meeting were some of the pending EMAP issues and solutions as well as maintenance of the EMAP standard.

In addition information on the Critical Infrastructure Planning meetings, Drought Watch 2013, and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) were discussed.

Finally the 2014 Kansas Response Plan (KRP) was discussed with the following areas, the only ones that are left to cover on the Basic Plan for the 2014 plan. The areas include: Americans with Disabilities Act compliance requirements within the plan; capabilities assessment inclusion; State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activation triggers; critical information needs; prestaging of state resources; Department Operations Center (DOC) coordination with KDEM/SEOC; and direction and control.

It is with mixed emotions that the OSFM and especially the HazMat Division say goodbye to Nan Hipsher, our HazMat Administrative Support person.

Nan has decided to retire, her last day on the job will be on March 15th so, feel free to call and wish her well, she has decided not to have a formal retirement reception.

Nan started her career with the State of Kansas 46 years ago as a toddler! When she applied to the OSFM she already had well over 30 year into the State and was eligible to retire anytime she wanted,. But, Nan was looking for a new challenge and the budding HazMat program fit the bill.

She told the agency if she were selected to fill the new position she would promise to work ten years in that position. And so 13½ years later, Nan has certainly kept her promise, she not only has handled the administrative functions of the HazMat division, but has provided accounting support to the agency fiscal officer, and always pitched in, whenever and wherever her talents were needed.

Nan is a woman of her word - hard working, dedicated, fair, talented and so much more. She is a person a great integrity. We, as an agency, have been blessed and very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Nan Hipsher. But, as she moves into this part of her life, the staff of the OSFM and the friends she has made in the service wish her all the best.

Those of us who have work closely with Nan are already missing her.

HazMat Division Secures New Storage Facilities

Congratulations and Thank You!!

Nan Hipsher

The HazMat Division recently moved most of their equipment to a new climatized and secured storage facility. This facility not only includes valuable storage space but office space and restroom facilities in conjunction with our Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) so that critical functions could be provided in the agency had to relocated in an emergency.

OSFM Holds Successful Special Ops HazMat Technician Class HazMat Training Coordinator A.J. Clemmons taught a technician class for law enforcement professionals including Special Response Team (SRT) members at the Kansas Highway Patrol training center in Salina. The 40-hour class was held January 7 - 11, 2013. The class is offered annually if they have enough individuals who need or have an interest in taking it. The class was well attended by the participants who provided very positive feedback on the class, instructor and materials.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Office of the State Fire Marshal HazMat Incident Response Call Down List Dan Thompson Cell 785-207-2193 Dan Thompson Pager 785-357-3295 Group Pager 785-357-3261 A.J. Clemmons Cell 785-207-2182 A.J. Clemmons Pager 785-357-3192 HazMat Toll Free Number 1-866-542-9628 OSFM Office 785-296-3402 OSFM HazMat Division (Nan) 785-296-1803 Page 11

Fire Safety News Be a Fire Safe Valentine Valentine’s Day is a time for love, a day to do something special for those important people in your life, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, parent, grandparents or the whole family.

Of course at the OSFM any reason will do when we’re talking about fire safety, but Valentine’s Day is the one day each year to show those we care about just how much we love them. So, whether you’re preparing “dinner for two” in front of a fire roaring in the fireplace with candles lit, incense burning and champagne on ice” OR sitting in front of that same roaring fire with “pizza and kool aid” getting ready to watch Toy Story for hundredth time. Valentine’s Day is another good time to remind you and your family about some simple fire safety tips that will keep all of you safe.

Our tips are the same year after year, they don’t change with the seasons or the holidays and although reminding ourselves at these special times of year may seem redundant it is these simple reminders that can save a life and that life could be someone you love.

Remember: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in every sleeping room and outside every sleeping area – test those alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

Plan and practice a home fire drill, knowing two ways out of every room, with a designated place outside where everyone knows to meet.

Once outside, call 911 from your cell phone or a neighbor’s house.

While you’re preparing that special Valentine dinner, keep in mind, unattended cooking remains the leading cause of all residential fires and injuries, so. . . .

Never leave cooking unattended.

Keep combustibles away from open flames or heat sources.

Wear short or tight sleeves when cooking, loose fitting clothing can easily ignite.

Turn pan handles inward toward the center of the stove.

Never add water or ingredients with high water content to hot oil.

Smother grease fires - cover the pan with a tight fitting lid, turn off the heat source, and slid the pan off the burner if it can be done safely.

Next, before you cuddle up in front of that roaring fire, be sure The appliance is properly vented, the chimney is clean and flue adjusted.

Use a screen and/or glass doors to keep the fire contained and sparks from flying.

Douse ash and embers with water and dispose of them outside the house, not on the porch or next to the garage, but away from anything combustible.

Be sure the fire is safely out before you go to bed.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

In addition, be sure to: Install a CO detector on every level of your home – CO is a silent killer.

And finally, if you must have candles to set the mood remember “Candle with Care!”

Keep candles away from combustibles - curtains, clothes, and other flammables.

Never leave them unattended.

Be sure they are blown out and completely extinguished before you leave the room.

You can safely mix fire and fun, but you must do it safely and be especially careful if you add alcohol or drugs, even prescriptions drugs to the mix.

Happy Fire Safe Valentine’s Day!!

New Report from the USFA Residential Cooking Fires According to a new report from the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking remained the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries for the period 2008-2010.

The report, Cooking Fires in Residential Buildings (2008-2010), addresses the characteristics of these fires.

An estimated average of 164,500 cooking fires in residential buildings occurred in the United States each year and resulted in an annual average of 110 deaths, 3,525 injuries and $309 million in property loss.

Remember to NEVER leave cooking unattended, if you have to leave the room take a pot holder, wooden spoon or some other reminder with you.

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Agency Partnerships and Organization News State Fire Marshal Supports Community Partnerships in Fire Safety, Firesetter Intervention and Injury Prevention Parents Cautioned: It Doesn’t Take a Fire to Burn a Child Burn Awareness Week is February 3 - 9, 2013 During National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 3-9), Safe Kids Kansas reminds parents and caregivers that fire is just one cause of burn injuries--children can also be seriously injured by hot foods and beverages, heating appliances, hot pots and pans, electrical currents and chemicals.

Hot water scalds are the leading cause of burns to young children and can be caused by hot liquids or steam. Hot tap water accounts for nearly 1 in 4 of all scald burns among children and is associated with more deaths and hospitalizations than any other hot liquid burns. Young children are particularly at risk because they cannot recognize heat-related hazards quickly enough to react appropriately.

Children’s skin is thinner than adults’ and burns at lower temperatures and more deeply. A child exposed to 140-degree Fahrenheit liquid for five seconds will sustain a third-degree burn.

“Burn hazards to children include hot foods and beverages, space heaters, steam irons and curling irons,” says Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas. “There’s a lot you can do around the home to minimize the risk of burn injuries.” Safe Kids Kansas urges caregivers to: Check your water temperature. Set your water heater to 120° Fahrenheit.

When using water taps, always turn the COLD water on first; then add HOT. Reverse the order when turning water off. Always check bath and sink water with your wrist or elbow before placing your child in it.

Childproof your home; talk to your child. Playing with matches and lighters is one of the leading causes of fire deaths to young children. Keep these items locked up out of sight and out of reach.

Discuss good fires and bad fires and how matches and lighters are to be used responsibly. Explain these items are not toys. Keep burning candles safely out of reach of children.

Prevent spills. Cook with pots and pans on back burners and turn handles away from the front. Don’t place containers of hot food or liquid near the edge of a counter or table and remove tablecloths so children don’t accidentally pull hot items down onto themselves.

Establish a “kid-free zone.” Make the stove area a “kid-free zone” (3 feet is a good distance). Never leave your child alone in the kitchen.

Don’t hold children while cooking or while carrying hot foods and beverages.

Test food and drink temperature. Taste cooked foods and heated liquids to make sure they’re not too hot for children. Never microwave a baby’s bottle. Drinks heated in a microwave may be much hotter than their containers. Instead, heat bottles with warm water and test them before feeding your child.

Keep electrical cords out of reach -- especially cords connected to heating appliances such as coffee pots and deep fryers. Make sure electrical cords can’t be pulled or snagged into a bathtub or sink. Don’t leave a hot iron sitting on an ironing board unattended.

Actively supervise. Simply being in the same room with a child is not necessarily supervising. Safety precautions are important, but there is no substitute for giving children your full attention.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

If a child is burned, the burned area should be place in, or flushed with, cool water. Keep the burned area in the cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. Never use ice, ointments or butter. If the burn is severe, immediately seek emergency assistance.

It is still important to take precautions against fire, too. “You need a smoke alarm on each level of your home and in every sleeping area. Make sure each alarm actually works,” says Sage. Test your smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries once a year (except for lithium batteries that are longer lasting; refer to manufacturer’s instructions). A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a fire by about 50 percent.

Visit Safe Kids Kansas at www.safekidskansas.org or on Facebook.

Safe Kids Kansas Injury Data Review and Prioritization Meeting On Monday, January 28th, Safe Kids Kansas held a working session to set injury priority areas for the year. Cherie Sage, State Coordinator sent out the “Safe Kids Kansas Report on Unintentional Injuries in Kansas Children” for participants to review prior to the meeting.

In examining the report several injury areas were discussed. Cherie pointed out that the day’s objective was to decide the four main areas Safe Kids Kansas would concentrate efforts on during this coming year. She said SKK would still address other areas but the four main areas would have working groups assigned to determine the action steps needed to address the issues.

The areas agreed upon included (in no particular order) the following: falls, motor vehicle, suffocation, and poisoning.

At the next quarterly meeting, working groups will be formed to look at the action steps that will be needed to address each of these areas. Groups will look at what we can do to make a difference and what resources are available or will be needed to meet our objectives.

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Fire Education and Fire Marshal Hold Consecutive Meeting Once again, the Fire Education Association of Kansas and the Fire Marshal Association of Kansas joined together to hold consecutive meetings in Wichita. The meetings were hosted by the Wichita Fire Department and held at their new training facility where participants were allowed to explore the facility and were treated to a tour of their new Fire Prevention Experience, a safety house equipped with a fire sprinkler demonstration side, storm simulations and fire safety features.

At the meetings the groups discussed and decided on the 2013 meeting schedule, including April 24 in Manhattan, July 24 in Emporia, and November 6 in Wichita.

Both groups sent out their deepest sympathy to both Mike Hall and Bob Pape who lost their mothers.

At the FEAK meeting local individuals and organizations were recognized for their efforts in fire, burn and life safety. The awards, presented by VP Corey Sands included: Fireside Apple Award - awarded to any person(s), member or non-member, organization or program that impacts fire or life safety, education or information in Kansas.

Founders’ Award for Innovation - presented to any person(s), organization or program that introduced new ideas or methods to reduce unintentional injury or death through fire and life safety efforts.

Michelle Brenner Lifetime Achievement Award - is presented to a FEAK member or member organization who has exhibited an unwavering lifetime of commitment to fire, burn and life safety.

The 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award went to Patti Peterson for her lifelong commitment to fire and life safety. Patti, the only active founding member of FEAK, was there in 1985 when the organization was formed and even today, after her retirement, continues to work with the Fire and Burn Safety Alliance of South Central Kansas coordinating their Y-FIRE Youth Academy.

The 2012 MB Lifetime Achievement Award went to Janet Cusick Jost who has been actively involved with FEAK for over 15 years and spent a lifetime involved in burn, fire and life safety. She is on the Board of the Alliance and continues, even in retirement, to support local efforts financially as well as with her time and energy.

Patti Peterson accepted the Fireside Apple Award for Y-FIRE South Central KS for their work with firesetting behavior by youth in a nine-county area in South central Kansas. A number of volunteers from the fire service, law enforcement, burn center, mental health, juvenile justice and more come together every other month to conduct a Youth Academy for these children and their families.

The Fire and Burn Safety Alliance of South Central Kansas received the Founders’ Award for Innovation.

Founding members Elena Nuss, Patti Peterson and Janet Cusick Jost accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

February 2013 Volume 3 Issue 2

Burn Awareness Week Scald Injury Prevention February 3-9, 2013 Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designated to provide an opportunity for burn, fire, and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. Burn Awareness Week, celebrated early in the year, is an excellent opportunity to “kick off” a year full of burn awareness education.

The American Burn Association is an outstanding resource for educational materials on a number of topics, including: Scald Injury Prevention, Electrical Safety, Fire/Burn Safety for Older Adults, Leaving Home Safely, Gasoline Safety and Summer Burn Safety. Each of these campaigns includes an educator’s guide, and downloadable power point presentations in both English and Spanish. The campaigns were developed for community education and outreach initiatives with the support of a grant from the US Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, with funds appropriated by the Congress under the Assistance to Firefighters Act (Fire Prevention and Safety Grants).

The Mobile Prevention Experience Wichita Fire Department Children and adults will benefit from the new “Mobile Prevention Experience” trailer the Wichita Fire Department has. According to Martin Gutierrez, after lots of hard work by department personnel and several attempts the trailer was purchase in part from a Fire Act grant and in part matching local funds.

The “Mobile Prevention Experience” will allow the department to do a variety of classes for people of all ages across the community. It includes residential fire sprinkler demonstration capability so individuals can see just how effective sprinkler systems can be in extinguishing a fire. It also provides props for the usual fire safety programs, bad weather scenarios and more.

The Department plans to use the trailer at many community events, schools, civic programs and more.

Departments thinking of such a purchase might visit with the Wichita Fire Department about tips on what made their plan such a success.

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